Hunting deer in Indiana requires a valid license, with a few exceptions. The specific license needed depends on factors such as your age, residency status, and the type of deer season you plan to hunt during. In this article, we’ll explore the various deer hunting licenses available in Indiana for 2024 and provide guidance on which one you need to purchase.
Resident Deer Hunting Licenses
If you are an Indiana resident, you have several options for deer hunting licenses in 2024:
Deer License Bundle: This license allows you to harvest up to three deer (two antlerless and one of either sex) during the archery, firearms, or muzzleloader seasons.
Bonus Antlerless License: In addition to your deer hunting license, you can purchase a bonus antlerless license to harvest additional antlerless deer in specific counties.
Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting License: If you have a lifetime comprehensive hunting license, you are eligible to hunt deer during any deer season.
Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting and Fishing License: Similar to the lifetime comprehensive hunting license, this license allows you to hunt deer during any deer season.
Resident Youth Hunt/Trap License: Indiana residents who are 17 years old or younger can purchase a youth hunting license to hunt deer.
To qualify for resident licenses, you must have established a true fixed and permanent home and primary residence in Indiana for at least 60 consecutive days prior to purchasing the license.
Non-Resident Deer Hunting Licenses
If you are a non-resident of Indiana, you have the following options for deer hunting licenses in 2024:
Non-Resident Deer License: Non-residents can purchase a deer license to hunt during the archery, firearms, or muzzleloader seasons.
Non-Resident Youth Hunting License: Non-residents who are 17 years old or younger can purchase a youth hunting license to hunt deer. If their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian is an Indiana resident, they can purchase a resident youth hunting license.
Non-resident licenses are available at the Indiana DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis and most DNR properties.
License Exemptions
There are a few exceptions to the deer hunting license requirements in Indiana for 2024:
Indiana Farmland Owners: Resident owners of Indiana farmland, their spouses, and dependent children living with them are exempt from needing a deer hunting license while hunting on their own land.
Resident Lessees of Indiana Farmland: Resident lessees of Indiana farmland who farm that land, their spouses, and dependent children living with them are exempt from needing a deer hunting license while hunting on the farmland they lease, with permission from the landowner.
Active-Duty Military Personnel: Residents of Indiana engaged in full-time military service who are carrying leave orders and a valid Indiana driver’s license are exempt from needing a deer hunting license.
Youth Under 13: Individuals who are less than 13 years of age, do not possess a bow or firearm, and are accompanied by an individual who is at least 18 years of age and holds a valid license are exempt from needing a deer hunting license.
It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from needing a deer hunting license, you may still need to purchase additional stamps or permits, such as the deer reduction zone license, depending on the specific circumstances of your hunt.
Hunter Education Requirements
Anyone born after December 31, 1986, must successfully complete a DNR-offered hunter education class to purchase a deer hunting license in Indiana for 2024. If you have not completed a hunter education course, you can purchase an apprentice hunting license, which allows you to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter.
To complete your hunter education requirement, you can take an online course approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or attend an in-person class.
Where to Purchase Deer Hunting Licenses
You can purchase your deer hunting license for 2024 through several methods:
Online: Visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website to purchase your license online.
In Person: Deer hunting licenses are available from retailers, county clerks, and most DNR properties throughout the state. You can find an authorized license vendor near you on the Indiana DNR website.
By Mail: Send your order with the required information (name, date of birth, address, hunter education certificate if applicable, height, weight, hair and eye color, Social Security number, and the specific licenses you need) to the Indiana DNR Customer Service Center.
Remember to carry your deer hunting license with you while hunting or have an electronic copy available on your mobile device.
Hunting deer in Indiana requires careful consideration of the various licenses and exemptions available. By understanding the requirements for your specific situation, you can ensure that you are properly licensed and prepared for a successful and legal deer hunting season in 2024. Happy hunting!